Walsall Council for Voluntary Services

Job Description

Job Title: / Date completed / 6/7/16
Funding Officer / Author / AB
Responsible to: / Responsible for:
Development Manager / N/A
Salary: / Hours:
£20,000 - £21,000 (25 days holiday plus statutory days, pension and travel expenses) / 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract type: / Location:
Fixed term until September 2019 (with potential to extend) / Walsall
This job description is a guide to the work the post will initially be required to undertake. It may be reviewed from time to time to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
Purpose of the role:
To support voluntary and community sector (VCS)organisations in Walsall to access external funding opportunities. To provide practical support and advice to VCSEs in the development and appraisal of funding proposals and to maintain and disseminate information on existing and future funding opportunities. To develop and maintain strong relationships with local and national funding agencies.To work as part of the Development Team delivering a range of advice and practical development support to the VCS in Walsall.
This role is fixed term until September 2019 with the potential to extend based on performance and future funding arrangements.
Specific duties:
  • To support VCS organisations in Walsall to identify and access funding for a projects and core activities including revenue costs and capital projects.
  • To offer an application review service to VCS organisations in the borough and provide advice and guidance on how they may be strengthened or improved.
  • To provide advice and information to organisations to improve their understanding of what makes a strong funding application, the organisational requirements to access a variety of funding sources, and the effective management of external funding.
  • To maintain strategic oversight of all existing and developing funding opportunities available to VCS organisations in Walsall including Lottery funders, charitable trusts, European funding and local commissions and tenders.
  • To provide one-to-one funding advice and support to VCS organisations including community groups, registered charities, community interest companies, community interest organisations and other “not-for-profit” organisations.
  • To organise and deliver events and training in partnership with other organisations and funders to provide VCS organisations access to information and directly to funders.
  • To support VCS organisations to identify relevant local strategies, data and evidence including liaison with partner agencies, to support project proposals and funding applications.
  • To develop and maintain a personal network of contacts within the VCS in Walsall and beyond, and with local and national funders, attending relevant forums and networks to receive and impart knowledge and information.
  • To work with funding bodies to help them understand Walsall’s needs, issues, opportunities and gaps, so as to influence the distribution of funding to the borough.
  • To work alongside colleagues in the Development Team and key partners to play an active part in the development of partnerships, collaboration and projects and support them to access funding opportunities.
  • To work alongside the Development Manager to develop a bid writing service for the VCS of Walsall.

General duties:
  • Contribute to the wider development of the organisation, contribute to staff meetings and work harmoniously with colleagues and external partners; supporting others in their work.
  • Understand and promote the priorities, activities and best interests of the organisation, and of the voluntary and community sector in Walsall.
  • Achieve agreed performance targets and participate in regular supervision and personal reviews.
  • Engage in training, identify personal and professional development needs and continuously seek to refresh knowledge in relation to the job.
  • Cooperate in the formulation and development of systems for monitoring and evaluating the work of the organisation.
  • Provide information for and contribute to the administration of communications media as appropriate.
  • Treat with confidentiality any information about any organisation, its staff, trustees or clients that is sensitive, personal or private.
  • Cover the work of colleagues during holidays or absences.
  • Be aware of and adhere at all times to the organisation’s policies and procedures, including the organisation’s equal opportunities policies and with due regard for health and safety.
  • Travel to all parts of the borough and the wider Black Country as appropriate to deliver the role.
  • Work flexibly and be available for occasional out-of-hours working as appropriate.

Person Specification
(How identified: A = Application Form, I = Interview, T = Test/task)
Category / Essential / Desirable
Education and Qualification / Educated to at least A’ Level or suitable alternative qualification or relevant experience. (A) / Qualification related to the voluntary and community sector. (A)
Skills and Experience / Significant experience of developing and/or reviewing applications for external funding from a range of sources. (A)
Experience of delivering effective training to a varied audience of VCS staff, volunteers, trustees and management committees. (A/I)
Excellent communication skills both oral and written. Ability to explain complex information in an accessible manner to a varied audience. (A/I/T)
Ability to work creatively, develop new ideas and initiatives with a solution-focused approach to problem solving (I)
Experience in successfully supporting partnership working with a range of partners and across sectors. (A/I)
Ability to work under pressure, to meet deadlines and produce high-quality results (A/I)
Able to work without close supervision or as part of a team. (I) / Track record of successfully securing funding from a range of sources and for a range of projects/activities (A/I)
Knowledge / Knowledge of the voluntary sector in terms of policy landscape, structures and influences. (A/I)
Knowledge of the VCS funding landscape, the various sources of funding, the funding agencies and their principles and priorities. (A/I)
Knowledge of core project development and project management tools and activities. (A/I)
Understanding of public sector commissioning and procurement processes. (A/I)
Knowledge of the core components of a funding application / service tender and what makes a strong application. (A/I/T)
Computer software programmes including the Microsoft Office suite and bespoke officer software (A)
Knowledge of how to design and deliver effective training programmes and workshops. (A/I) / Knowledge of the area of Walsall and the voluntary and community sector and local funding agencies in particular. (A/I)
Other requirements / Full UK Drivers Licence and access to vehicle for work purposes. (A)
Flexibility and availability for occasional out-of-hours working. (I)
How to apply
Application Forms may be requested by email () or by phone on 01922 619 840.
Closing date for applications: 11:30pm Sunday 11 September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview between 3 and 7 October.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Alex Boys on 01922 619 840.